The Pageturning Report: February 2025
The Riddle of the Tongue-Stones, an A-to-Z guide to the supernatural, The Silmarillion, and more!
The Riddle of the Tongue-Stones
February 3rd saw the release of my debut children’s nonfiction book, The Riddle of the Tongue-Stones from Word on Fire Votive. Initial reactions have been overwhelmingly positive and I’m told that the book sold over 1,000 copies in its first week!
Right now, you can get your copy at a special discounted price from the Word on Fire Bookstore! Beautifully illustrated by Dillon Wheelock and featuring a special “worn and weathered” cover design, The Riddle of the Tongue-Stones is a perfect gift for the science-minded kids in your life.
Learn about the life and work of Nicolas Steno, a saintly scientist whose discoveries transformed our understanding of the earth underneath our feet. This humble and holy genius was the first to see the outlines of a secret history written in the rocks and in the fossils they contained.
You can learn more about Nicolas Steno and The Riddle of the Tongue-Stones by listening to this wonderful discussion with my editor
on The Votive Podcast.I’d like to thank to my good friend Mike Creavey for inviting me back on The Gracious Guest Show to talk about Riddle of the Tongue-Stones. And thanks also to William Hemsworth for interviewing me on The Bible Catholic channel.
I’d also like to thank
for interviewing me about the book on his website and thanks to for her review on Aleteia. Hopefully these are the first of many more reviews to come!
I still plan on posting a special behind-the-scenes look how this book came to be—from drafting, to pitching, to editing and final publication. Be sure to stay subscribed to Pageturning so you don’t miss the latest updates!
Articles
Word on Fire
An A-to-Z Guide to the Sacred and the Profane
Have you ever had one of those moments when you crack open a new book and realize straightaway that you’ve stumbled on something special? I had one of those moments recently, when a new book by Gary Jansen arrived on my doorstep! Gary is an editor at Loyola Press and the author of several books about the supernatural.
Saints, Angels & Demons: An A-to-Z Guide to the Holy and the Damned is a beautifully illustrated compendium of nearly 400 inhabitants of the spiritual realm—both good and evil. In this discussion, Gary explains how he came to write this book and how the lives of the saints can enrich the lives of believers and spiritual seekers alike.
Podcasting
The Secrets of Middle-Earth
What Middle-earth stories would you bring to life? The panel and I unleash creative pitches from our Patrons—From epic battles to whimsical tales, hear bold ideas for Tolkien-inspired shows and share your own!
The House of Finwë shaped the fate of the Noldor, from Fëanor’s fiery rebellion to Fingolfin’s heroism and Finarfin’s wisdom. The panel recounts the elven family’s triumphs, tragedies, and the doom that followed their choices.
Love, doom, and destiny collide in the legendary tale of Beren and Lúthien! The panel and I recount Beren’s perilous quest, Finrod’s heroic sacrifice, and Sauron’s cruelty—plus, the latest news on The Rings of Power Season 3!
Genndy Tartakovsky’s Clone Wars micro-series brought stunning action and rich storytelling to Star Wars. The panel breaks down its impact, the thrilling battles, and its lasting legacy. Don’t miss this deep look at a fan-favorite classic!
Genndy Tartakovsky’s Clone Wars delivers epic battles, Anakin’s knighting, and a terrifying General Grievous! The panel breaks down the action, themes, and connections to Revenge of the Sith.
The Secrets of Movies & TV Shows
Faith and fandom intersect in surprising ways! During a live panel discussion at last fall's LegendHaven convention, I joined my friends Dom Bettinelli, Angela Sealana, Robert King to unpack the spiritual themes in The Mandalorian, Shogun, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Godzilla Minus One, and more! How do these stories wrestle with belief, redemption, and identity? Find out in this thought-provoking discussion!
Before I sign off, I want to specially thank YOU. As I’ve said before, none of this would be possible without my loyal readers. Please share this newsletter and The Riddle of the Tongue-Stones with anyone who’d be interested—especially young, aspiring paleontologists!
Until next time, God bless and happy reading!
